Prof. Arna Rabinovitch-Ayni has been awarded the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant for her groundbreaking research on the automation of dispute resolution processes.

Professor Orna Rabinovich-Einy of the University of Haifa’s Faculty of Law has been awarded the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant for her pioneering research project, “The Vanishing Third Party: Access to Justice, Procedural Justice, and Substantive Justice in the Age of Dispute Resolution Automation.” This grant, amounting to approximately €2 million, is among the most significant individual research awards in the European Union and is designed to support mid-career researchers with a promising track record. 

Professor Rabinovich-Einy’s research delves into the transformative shift from human adjudicators—such as judges, mediators, and arbitrators—to algorithm-driven systems in resolving disputes. Her work aims to critically assess how this transition impacts core principles of justice, including accessibility, fairness, and the legitimacy of outcomes. By examining existing online dispute resolution (ODR) platforms in the U.S., Europe, and a developing platform in Israel, the study seeks to understand the implications of automation on the justice system. 

The project is hosted by the Dispute Resolution Automation (DRA) Lab at the University of Haifa, which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research on the integration of technology into legal processes. The lab’s approach combines empirical studies, including user interviews and simulated experiments, to develop a theoretical framework that addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by automated dispute resolution. 

Professor Rabinovich-Einy’s expertise in online dispute resolution, alternative dispute resolution, and civil procedure has positioned her as a leading figure in the field. Her previous work, including the co-authored book “Digital Justice: Technology and the Internet of Disputes,” has explored the intersection of technology and legal systems, emphasizing the need for thoughtful integration of digital tools to enhance, rather than undermine, justice. 

This ERC-funded project represents a significant step in understanding and shaping the future of dispute resolution in an increasingly digital world. By scrutinizing the role of algorithms in legal decision-making, Professor Rabinovich-Einy’s research aims to ensure that advancements in technology align with the fundamental values of justice and equity.